TRADE REVIEW.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2027, 13 August 1920, Page 11

TRADE REVIEW.

GOOD YJELD OF OATS. The publication of the official flgureashowing the amount of oals threshed to June 30 has caused a further weakening of the market, and a revival in speculative business covering distant months. So far, 6,121,274 bushels have been accounted for. Last season, the total yield was 6,884,609 bushels, in 1917-18 it was ,4,942,759 bushels, in 191617 it was 5,371,436 bushels, and in 1915-16 the return was 7,653,208 bushels. The value of oats lias now receded to tinder 5/l>er bushel, f.0.b., s.i., firm offers having been made below this figure. A good proportion of sellers are from the North Island, although a number of Canterbury merchants are in the field. There is bound to be a big amount of "paper" business, under' the circumstances. A good few firms are still holding oats, and in the southern districts there is no great disposition to sell stocks. This apparent confidence, in spite of the trend of the market, may in the end cause a swing the 'other way. But the future is most uncertain. It is difficult to give,' the value of oats at country stations. Gartons are probably worth from 4/- to 4/2, Duns from 4/6 to 4/9 (nominal), and Algerians from 4/3 to 4/6, Chaff is weak, and is quoted at £6 per ton, country stations.

General Produce Lines. Potatoes are almost unsaleable, and growers are prepared to quit, at £2 per ton in maity instances. The usual demand from the North Island for seed potatoes has not developed. Growers are therefore finding it hard to quit seed potatoes. The season for onions is practically over, and supplies from Victoria have made their appearance on the Auckland market. The market generally for grass seeds is quiet, and, in the case of cocksfoot, it is dull. The following prices are being paid at country stations, with the exception of wheat and manufactured lines, which are on a f.o.b. basis:— Milling Wheat -Tuscan, 7/5 per bushel; Hunters, 7/8 per bushel; Pearl, 7/11 per bushel.

Oats—Cartons, 4/- to 4/2 per bushel; Duns, 4/0 to 4/9-(nominall; Algerians, 4/:t to 4/G. Chaff, £6 per ton. Flour—£l6 10/- per ton. Bran—Shipping, £7 15/- per ton. Pollard—£9 15/- per ton. Cocksfoot—lid to 1/1 per lb. Ryegrass—ltalian, 5/6 to 6/- per bushel; perennial, 5/6 to 6/6; Western Wolths, 0/to 7/- per bushel. Barley—Malting 8/- to 9/- per bushel; Cape, 7/3 per bushel. White Clover—2/- to 2/3; cowgrass, 1/7 to 1/9 per lb.

Potatoes—£2 per ton (nominal). Peas —Partridge, No. 1 9/3 per bushel; f.a.q., 8/9 to 9/- per bushel. Unseed—£26 per ton. Lower Bate for Eggs.

The price of country eggs has receded to 1/6 per dozen, and it is probable that at' this price bakers will begin to operate. Fruit and Vegetables. Prices have been high for both vegetables and fruits this week, and the supply has been good. Early next week a small, shipment of Fiji bananas is expected, ex Atua. The usual shipment of Sydney fruits should come to hand about the middle of the week. Average prices, ruling at auction this week are as follow: ' •Apples—Nelson, 6/- to 7/- per case; local, 8/- to 9/-; cooking, 6/- to 7/-. Bananas—Cook Island, 22/- per case; FIJI, 24/-. Cocoanuts, 30/- per sack. I Lemons—Mildurn. 20/- per case; South Australian, 18/-; 'Frisco, 42/-.

Mandarines, 23/- to 25/- per case. Oranges—Cook Island, 20/- to 23/- per case; Sydney, 17/- to 18/-; marmalade, 22/-; valenclas, 44/- to 45/-. Passions—Sydney, 22/- to 23/- per case. Pineapples—Sydney, 30/- per case. Pears— Cooking,-9/- to 10/- per case; dessert, 12/-. Beet, 1/6 to 2/- per dozen bundles. Walnuts, 1/3 per lb. Cabbages, 1/6' to 6/- per dozen. Cauliflowers, 3/- to 10/6 per dozen. Carrots, 9d per dozen. Celery, 6d to 9d per bundle. Kumeras, 4d per lb. Leeks, 5d per bundle. Lettuce, 1/6 to 2/3 per dozen. Marrows, 15/- per dozen. ■ Potatoes, 1/0 to 2/- per sugar bag. Onions—Local, 3/0 to 4/6 per sugar bag; 11,'- per cwt. Parsnips, Oil per dozen. Potatoes, 4 0 to 7/6 per sack. Pumpkins, 18/'- per dozen. Radishes, 1/- per dozen. Rhubarb, 9, - to 12. - per dozen. Spring onions, 1/- per dozen. Turnips, 6d per dozen. Spinach, 1/6 per dozen. Swedes, 1/6 per sugar bag.